Drivers will have a little less road to travel this summer, as Saanich work crews will completely shut down a large portion of Tattersall Drive from July through September.
Tattersall, between Saanich Road and Quadra Street, is currently undergoing a $3-million facelift, which will include the installation of new storm drains and sewers. The entire portion will be closed to through-traffic all summer.
"We're going to have a hole that's over six metres deep, so that's going to be a big hole and it's going to take up the whole road," said Jim Hemstock, manager of transportation.
He hopes for closure to start in early July and have limited access (single-lane alternating) returned to the area by Labour Day (Sept. 5). Summer is a slower time on the roads, he said, acknowledging that an estimated 10,000 cars each day will be displaced. That means heavier volumes for nearby connectors like McKenzie or Cloverdale avenues.
Hemstock says he doesn't anticipate changing traffic light patterns will be necessary to accommodate motorists.
"The contractor will have a traffic management plan, which will examine and monitor those type of things, and we'll respond," he said.
The project has already been going on for a couple months, as utilities have been moved and waterlines have been replaced. When complete, the stretch of road will have new lanes for cars and bikes, rain gardens and better pedestrian access.
"We're essentially rebuilding the road from the ground up. It's worse than that, actually – it's from six metres down up."
kslavin@saanichnews.com